Media’s coverage of conflicts is not one-dimensional

In response to criticisms that coverage of wars appears to be one-dimensional, the new Chair of the Commonwealth Journalists Association (UK) has argued that in many areas of the media suggested solutions are also addressed.

“If we were wholly reliant on news bulletins, coverage of conflicts would appear to be one-dimensional,” said Rita Payne. “I would argue that if we look at the whole of the media – TV, radio, the internet – including interviews, documentaries, discussions and analytical reports, the media fulfils both functions.”

The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) exists to bring journalists closer together whether they are working in print, broadcasting, or online journalism, and to help raise their status and quality.

“We get reports of wars but also hear about suggested solutions. Programmes like Newsnight, Today, Channel Four News and Al Jazeera regularly include discussions with a range of people expressing every shade of opinion.”

The former BBC journalist was speaking at an Action for UN Renewal meeting at the House of Lords, in London, UK, on 8 October 2008.

“Journalists and editors can only hope that responsible reporting and rigorous analysis will point to ways in which a conflict can be resolved peacefully,” she concluded. “Ultimately, the parties involved in a conflict have to be convinced that war is not the answer.”

Ms Payne is currently attending the CJA’s eighth conference in Kuching, Malaysia, between 14 and 18 October.

This conference will mark the 30th year since the CJA was founded. The conference’s topics will focus on information to send journalists back to their media operations with greater knowledge about current issues and more tools for better reporting. Ninety-minute skills training sessions will also be offered to working journalists on three successive mornings during the conference.

Secretariat Links:

• Commonwealth Media Development Fund

Related Websites:

• Commonwealth Journalists Association